On Monday 15th June, face coverings became mandatory on public transport in England and for all visitors and outpatients in hospitals. They do not need to be worn by children under two or by those with breathing difficulties. From Friday 24th July, face coverings also became mandatory in shops.
From 8th August, face coverings must be worn in other indoor settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet, such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.
You can find government guidance on wearing face coverings safely below, along with 4 easy methods for making simple face coverings at home. If, like me, sewing isn’t your strong point, you can also find a list of local suppliers below so you can browse some fab designs and help to support local businesses.
Circumstances and guidelines are continually changing, you can check the latest government updates and advice here. Always take care to use equipment safely to avoid injury. Children should only follow these instructions under the supervision of adults. The methods below for making simple face coverings are widely available online, we do not endorse any particular method. Images from local suppliers are for illustrative purposes only, actual products and availability may vary.
Wearing a Face Covering
A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off and after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.
Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched.
You should wash a face covering regularly. It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent.
When wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends”
Taken from government guidance here, updated 4th June.
Making a Face Covering
Using a T-shirt
You will need:
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle (as illustrated here).
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
A sewn cloth face covering
You will need:
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down (as illustrated here).
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.
The bandana face mask
You will need:
Step 1: Lay the piece of fabric out flat and fold in half so that the top and bottom meet in the middle. Fold the bandana in half again so that there are now four layers of fabric.
Step 2: Use two hair ties to create ear loops. Slip one hair tie over each of the ends and move a few inches toward the centre of the folded bandana.
Step 3: Fold the ends of the bandana in to meet in the middle. The ends should overlap slightly so you can tuck one end into the other to help keep them secure.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then place the elastic loops over the ears.
The sock face mask
You will need:
Step 1: Fold the sock in half and cut off the toe and ankle sections.
Step 2: Open up the sock and cut down the edge opposite to the heel.
Step 3: Fold the sock in half again and cut into the heel’s edge by about two thirds and about 2cm from the ends.
Step 4: Open out the sock completely and trim off the corners into curves.
Step 5: Loop the cut outs around your ears and cover your nose and mouth with the rest of the sock. The heel should fit securely over your nose.
Shop Local
If you don’t fancy making your own, or just want a few different options for throughout the week, both disposable and reusable face coverings are available from many supermarkets, high street retailers and local small businesses.
There are some fab options below for reusable non-medical face coverings from local North East suppliers, with just a few examples of the stylish and fun designs available. Click the links below to find out more and to order.
Bellas Bows Bags Bunting and Baubles
Based in Gateshead
🛒 from £4.95. 3 sizes available.
Board Game Solutions
Based in Newcastle
🛒 from £6 (£20 for ‘mystery set’ of 4). 1 size available.
Designs Makes By A
Based in Newcastle
🛒 From £5. 3 sizes available, ages 2+. Mask bags also available to purchase separately or at a discounted price with a mask.
Disney1ears
Based in Newcastle
🛒 From £4.50. 3 sizes available, toddler/child/adult, plus custom orders available on request.
£1 from every order is donated to the NHS.
eekieigo
Based in Newcastle
🛒 from £5. 2 sizes available (M/F).
Lala Beanies
Based in Newcastle
🛒 from £4.80. 1 size available.
Miss Charvel
Based in Newcastle
🛒 From £9. 7 sizes available, ages 4+. Orders also received via Facebook message here with a discounted price.
Mrs Lamb UK
Based in Newcastle
🛒 From £8.75. 1 size available.
– donation from each sale will be made to the Trussel Trust to help run UK food banks.
Simpson’s Stitching’s
Based in Gateshead
🛒 From £6.99. 3 sizes available, ages 3+.
White Satin Designs
Based in Newcastle
🛒 From £9. 2 sizes available, toddler/adult.
There’s plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy at home, with local virtual classes (including free resources!) & other useful blogs.
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